Elon Musk To Unveil 'Hyperloop' 4000MPH Mega Train On August 12

The billionaire inventor, investor and futurist Elon Musk is set to unveil his detailed proposals for a 4,000mph 'mega train' known as the Hyperloop to connect the east and west coast of the United States.

The Hyperloop was described by Musk earlier this year as "a cross between a Concorde, a railgun and an air hockey table", and would be both relatively low energy and safe, since the system would be totally self-contained.

While such a system would be beautiful to behold - and capable of sending passengers to LA from New York in 45 minutes - it would also be hugely expensive.

But Musk points out that given the extravagant cost of California's already-underway $70 billion 'high speed' rail system - which will be the slowest on the planet when finished - the US can afford to think more creatively about its transport problems.

"What you want is something that never crashes, that's at least twice as fast as a plane, that's solar powered and that leaves right when you arrive, so there is no waiting for a specific departure time," he said previously when asked about the system.

At least one company is already working on a similar idea, and so it's unclear where Musk fits into the scheme. But he now says that he will publish his designs on August 12, as an 'open source' resource to anyone who wants to get involved.

Will publish Hyperloop alpha design by Aug 12. Critical feedback for improvements would be much appreciated.